Phnom Penh Travel Tips

Banks: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 12:00, Saturday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 07:00 to 17:30, some closed on Sunday
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, daily, some closed at lunchtime and on Monday
Business Offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday

The biggest danger to overseas tourists visiting Phnom Penh comes from petty theft and opportunist efforts to steal valuables. Anyone staying in a mid-range hotel or better will be offered adequate security for their belongings but budget travellers may want to keep a very close eye on valuables. A money belt is recommended not least because many travellers here will have to carry large amounts of cash; although credit and cash cards are a viable alternative given the increasing ATM services available.

Although theft does occur, tourists should not feel unduly concerned in Phnom Penh. If normal precautions are taken and valuables always kept in sight, the city is no more dangerous than anywhere in the US or South America, if not safer.

Perhaps the biggest risk are the roads, which are poorly maintained and vehicles with a distinct lack of safety measures like seatbelts and crash helmets. If you feel queasy on the back of a motorbike, then just walk to avoid the potential for an accident. Take care to dodge stray motorbikes coming from all angles, a common problem here.

Electricity: 220V/50Hz, all plugs are two-prong.

Cambodia does not have offer much international-standard, modern health services. Although the capital is much better equipped than rural areas and smaller towns, serious medical emergencies are better off being treated in nearby Bangkok.

Although the state-run medical infrastructure is poorly funded and equipped, private clinics and hospitals do exist in Phnom Penh and offer a fairly decent standard of service although you will almost certainly be required to pay for many services up front.

In the event of an emergency it is best to immediately call your embassy for advice along with a suitable international clinic such as the American Medical Centre or the Somary Raffles Medical Centre, both of which are private and offer a good standard of service. Staff at both can usually speak English and French.

All overseas travellers should take precautions against malarial infection if travelling to rural areas, especially in the monsoon season between April and November. Contact your local doctor before departure for the latest advice on the level of malaria threat in Phnom Penh and the most appropriate medicine to take.

Other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever have been recorded here. Make sure to bring a strong mosquito repellent. Never drink the tap water in Phnom Penh.

American Medical Centre: +855 23 991863

Emergency services: 119

Khmer is the official language. Many of the people working in the tourism industry in Phnom Penh do, however, may speak English and French so communication is less of a problem.

Many business owners here will request US dollars first, Thai baht second and Cambodian riel third. The riel has stabilised so make sure to use it on smaller purchases where change for a US dollar is not possible. There are notes in 100 riel denominations, but it’s the 1000, 2000 and 5000 riel notes that are most often used.

ATMs are now a common sight in tourist areas like the riverfront so you should be able to use your bank card or credit card to withdraw cash. Credit card advances are also available but a fee is usually required.

On the plane, once you arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be asked to fill out an arrival card including a customs declaration form. Be careful at the duty-free shop before departure – only one litre of alcohol is permitted by law along with 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or a maximum 250g of rolling tobacco.

You will also be asked to declare excessive of amounts of foreign currency along with any illegal items such as narcotics, firearms and pornography.

If you are coming from Angkor Wat or have been shopping for  Cambodian antiques in Phnom Penh’s markets be very careful. The government has become extra vigilant against people they consider to be plundering valuable artefacts from Angkor in particular.

Phnom Penh may seem rough and ready if you’ only visit the tourist areas, but don’t forget this is a very traditional Buddhist country in which Western tourists are only a recent occurrence in great numbers.

When visiting temples never enter with shoulders uncovered, a short skirt or excessive flesh exposed. This is especially true of the Royal Place, which is not only a religious compound but also a residence of the monarchy. Never touch someone’s head or point the soles of your feet directly at any one. Also make sure to take shoes off when entering a religious building and refrain from generating excessive noise.

The golden rule is never to lose your temper. In doing so you will lose face and so will your chief tormentor, but ultimately you will look worse. If you want to take a photograph of someone, make sure to ask first.

Dining Etiquette
As long as you eat in the same manner as you would at home, there is no need to be overly alarmed at the prospect of committing an offence at the table. Remain polite to waiters and say please and thank you, and the staff will immediately warm to you.

Tips are expected in mid to high-end restaurants and cafés; although if you feel the service has been poor feel free to remain polite while declining to leave any extra. Otherwise, 10 per cent is perfectly okay.

Most Western nationals qualify for visa-on-arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport or at the Poipet crossing to the west with Thailand. In each case make sure to have a spare passport photo to avoid undue delays and a small additional charge. Otherwise the fee should be paid in US dollars for a tourist visa which can be extended for a further 30 days for an additional fee without leaving the country.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date.

The official government tourism office is conveniently located at Sisowath Quay. Call on: +855 23 724 059. The Ministry of Tourism on Monivong boulevard can be reached on: +855 23 426 876.